Motor



Feb. j 12 1924. 1,483,512

A. E. Hum:

MOTOR 1 mu -July 14 1920- 4 s Sheets-Sheet 1.

Feb. 12 1924.' 1,483,512

A. E. HUDD oron Filed July 14, 1920 5 Sheets-$heet 2 FIG 3.

HUDD

MOTOR Filed July 14 1920 5 Sheets- Sheet 3 A. E. HUDD Feb. 12 1924.

MOTOR Filed July 14. 1920 Feb. 12,1924.

v A. E. HUDD MOTOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 5' Filed July -14. 1920 Patented Feb. 12, 192%.

ALFRED ERNEST HUDD, OF LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND, ASSIGNOR TO AUTOMATIC TELE- PHONE MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED, or LIVERPOOL, nerann.

MOTOR.

Application filed July 14,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED ERNEST HUnD, a subject of the King of England, residing at Stoneleigh, Orient Drive, Gateacre, Liverpool, England, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in or Relating to hlotors, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improvedmotor which while particularly applicable for the purpose of operating railway signals, points and train stops, is also adapted for general use.

The most desirable features governing the employment of motors for operating railway signals are that they should be reliable, should be capable of starting and stopping instantaneously and that they should carry out the operation in a limited time. In view of expense it is of course desirable that the motors should be as cheap as possible, and also that they should be efficient. Previously electric motors of substantially standard type have been used for this purpose, but in view of the small sized machine required, and consequently, their low torque, high speed characteristics, it has been essen tial to provide gearing to enable the required torque to be obtained. The amount of this gearing has been considerable and this has been a disadvantage not only from the point of View of expense, but also because the inertia of the moving parts was considerably increased and consequently the rapidity with which the apparatus could be accelerated or retarded was considerably reduced.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a type of motor which is better adapted for the conditions required and, to this end, according to this invention the railway signal is operated by means of one or more members set in vibration by suitablemeans. These vibratory members are arranged so as to act on the shaft of the signal to T produce a continuously forward movement thereof. The power supply is preferably direct or alternating current which is connected to one or more electromagnets. The armature or armatures of these electromagnets are alternately attract ed and released so that they vibrate at a high rate of speed. These armatures are connected to a shaft by one or more one way clutches so as to cause rotation in one di- 1920. Serial No. 396,244.

rection, only. Two armatures may be employed, one OfWlllCll 1s arranged to dr ve the shaft, While the other is falling'back,

sentially of a spring pressed ball or roller" in a tapered recess, situated between the driving and the driven members, in such a manner that when the driving member moves in one direction the ball is forced'into the narrow end of the recess and locks the members together, whereas when the driving member is moving'in the other direction the ball isforced into the deeper side of'the recess and the driving member can move perfectly freely with relation to the driven member. 'If a detent is used it may be constructed similarly permitting the free forward movement of the driven member and preventing the backward movement.

The advantage of using this type of clutch is that if properly designed it enables the full movement of the armature to be taken advantage of. For instance, in thecase of vpawls with ratchet teeth a movement of the armature corresponds to that of either. one

or two or some definite integral number of teeth whereas theball clutch is capable of responding to very small movements of much less size than it would be practicableto cut teeth.

This motor may be caused to engage with the railwaysignal or train stop to be. operated by means of an electromagnetic clutch or its equivalent excited'with the same current as flows through the motor. The arrangement is such that when the motor has completed-the movement'it is deenergized but the clutch is still maintained operated through a suitable control circuit so that the roller clutches resist the backward movemen and hold the signal in the operatedposition. The declutching is efiected by breaking this locking circuit whereby the signal is free to restore to normal.

Further details of the invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example only, two constructions of motor embracing the principles of the invention; it will be readily understood that these constructions may be considerably modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 are a sectional elevation, plan andend view respectively of one construction of a. motor according to this invention designed to be driven by direct current. Figures 4, 5 and 6 show sectional elevations, side View and elevation respectively of another construction, of the motor according to the invention designed to be driven by alternating current and to engage with a shaft for operating signals, train stops or like apparatus. Figure 7 shows in detail the relation which exists between the armatures and the pole pieces in the latter construction.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the supporting-frame shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the supporting-frame shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. Figure 10 is a perspective view of one of the electromagnets shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the armature supporting member shown in the lastmentioned figures.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the motor comprises two vertically arranged pairs of electromagnets l and 2 each magnet having a core '1, and around which the exciting coils are wound; the cores are connected at one end to a plate 3 of magnetic material, by means of screws, while at the other end they each face armatures, of which armature 4 is in front of the cores of electromagnet 1 and armature 5 in front of the cores of electromagnet' 2. The armatures 4 and 5 are secured by rivets 6 or the like to upwardly-extending lugs 6 forming part of ,the rings 6 and 7 respectively, which rings form part of roller clutches 8 and 9 whereby the vibratory motion of the armatures is converted into undirectional motion of the shaft 19 and pinion 2O keyed thereto.

The construction of the roller clutches will be understood from the section of the roller clutch 8 shown in Figure 1. The ring 7 embraces and oscillates around a cylindrical member 10, having a number of recesses 11, 12 and 13 in its periphery in which rollers 14, 15 and 16 are placed, and is also formed with side-flanges between which the ring oscillates. The recesses are so shaped that the rollers normally lie between the inner walls of the ring 6 and the bases 17 of the recesses against which they are pressed by means of the springs 18. Consequently, if the ring 6 is moved clockwise it tends to jam the rollers between the bases 17 and the inner walls of the ring 6 while if counterclockwise the rollers move toward the enlarged end of the recess so that the movement is quite free. Preferably the bases 17 are normal to the line running through the centre of the rollers and the centre of the shaft, as in the construction shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 and not as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 although it will Work satisfactorily provided the divergence from normal is: not excessive.

In the base 17, hardened steel pieces 21 are fitted while the inner side, at least, of the ring 6 is likewise hardened, so as to reduce wear to a minimum. The cylindrical member 10 is keyed to the shaft 19 mounted on bearings 19 depending from the supportingframe, so that the shaft can, consequently, only be driven in one direction and if the armatures 4 and 5 are arranged to operate in such a manner that when one is attracted the other is falling back, then the shaft 19 will have substantially a continuous movement. This arrangement may be effected by means of devices which are best shown in Figure 2. In this view it will be. seen that the armatures are shown in a central position resting neither against the buffer springs 22 and 23 which prevent the loss of energy, which impact with the stationary stop pieces 24 and 25 would entail, and against the projections or pins 26 and 27. This is a position assumed during the cycle of movement of the armatures when one is being attracted by its core and the other is being pushed from its core, which operation is secured by a switching arrange ment comprising a rocker 29 and a contactarm 30 independently pivoted on a spindle 28. The rocker 29 is provided with split ends in which are mounted two projecting pins 26 and 27 adapted to engage with the armatures 4 and 5 respectively and whilst the contact-arm 30 engages with two adjustable contact members 33 and 34 carried by the rocker and suitably insulated therefrom and connected respectively to one side of the windings of electromagnets 1 and 2, the other side of the windings being connected together and to a source of current. The contact arm 30 is fitted with suitable contact members adapted to work between the contact members 33 and 34 on the rocker, and at its extreme end is tapered to a fine point or knife edge which engages in an angular recess 35 in a member 36 which is pivoted at 36 and member 36 is forced against the end of the contact-arm 30 by the spring 37 The arrangement is obviously such that the contact arm 30, which is shown in a central position in Figure 2, a position assumed during its movement from one contact to the other, is always forced to one side or the other side so as to make connection with either onev or the other of the contacts 33 or 34 and further by exerting pressure thereon to force'the rocker 29, and consequently the armature 4 or 5 to take up an extreme position.

jection 26 and in completing its forward movement forces the rocker 29 to turn about the pivot 28 carrying with it the contact engagement with the other contact member 34. This closes an exciting circuit for the electromagnet 2 besides breaking that of electromagnet 1; armature 5 is then attracted, and armature 4 being released is in turn forced back by the rocker arm; similarlythe contact arm 30 is forced past the dead central position and immediately flies over and makes connection with the contact 33, so that the electromagnet 1 is again excited and the cycle repeated by this means whereby the armatures are maintained in vibration, one being attracted While the other falls back. By means of the roller clutch above referred to the attracted armature acts on the shaft 19 and forces it round while the other armature falls back to in turn. actuate the shaft while the first armature is released.

In Figures 4, 5 and 6 an alternative construction of motor according to the invention is illustrated; this construction of motor is specially adapted to be operated by alternating current or interrupted direct current although it may be arranged to be operated so that it breaks its own circuit, such adaptations being well known in the art and will not, be described.

In this case for the sake of compactness four electromagnets 41, 42, 43 and 44 are shown arranged around the shaft 45 although it will be appreciated that the number of these electromagnets could be varied.

The advantage of a number of magnets in addition to compactness, is uniformity of torque and continuity of operation in the case of one coil failing or burning out; another advantage is that the external surface of the coils is much greater than for an equivalent -single coil so that there is a less temperature rise for a given power and consequently the permissible overload is much greater.

The laminated armatures 46 of these electromagnets are all arranged on a common vibratory member 46 and are shaped as shown in Figure 7 so that they may be attracted a considerable distance without actually making contact with the polepieces 47 and 48 of the cores 49', in order to avoid loss due to impact aswill be referred to later. The vibratory member 46 as shown in Figure 4 has a hollow cylindrical centre surrounding with an annular space a hexagon 49 of hard- .ened steel; from the flat sides of the boxe gon, small leaf. springs 50 project substantially at right angles thereto adapted to force the rollers 51 lodged in the annular space so that they tend to jam between the flats of the hexagon and the inner walls of the member 46 when said member moves in a clockwise direction while when moved in the opposite'direetion the rollers move into a slightly enlarged space so that the clutch can move'freely. It will be appreciated that the roller clutch shown is identical in operation with thatillustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 but differs in constructional details which are very important from the point of view of expense in manufacture. The necessity of fitting the hardened pieces 21 into the cylindrical member 10 and making the recesses 11, 12 and 13 for the springs 18 (as shown in Figure 1) is entirely eliminated.

The vibratory member 46 is normally maintained in a floating position as shown on the drawings by means of the leaf-springs 61, so that'from this position movement may be made to either side. Preferably the strength of the springs 61 and the weight of the vibratory member 46 are so chosen that they are adapted to respond naturally to the frequency of the alternating current supplied. Although the apparatus will work with other adjustments, the most efficient arrangement is that stated. Springs '61 are anchored to cross-rods 61 whose ends are secured in the arms 62' of the supporting frames 63', said supporting frames being provided with seats 64 to which the pole pieces 48 of the magnets 41 are secured. The shaft 45 is supported in ball bearings 53 and 54 mounted in recesses 54 formed in the "in Figure 6 whereby the motormay be adapted for the purpose.

It will be seen thatthe whole of the motor in Figures 4 and 5 is pivoted at 56 and the supporting frames are provided with extensions which carry an armature 57 In Figure 6 is-shown indotted The operation is as follows :When it is required to lower-the signal or train stop, alternating current is supplied from alter nating-current generator 80 to the electromagnets of the motor and also to the electromagnet 6O simultaneously by operating the switch 81, the current from the motor also passes through the segments 82 and 83 by means of the brush 84 secured to the shaft 59; the motor electromagnets attract and release their armatures in accordance with the rise and fall of the instantaneous value of the current so that the vibratory member 46 is set in oscillation at a frequency corresponding to double that of the alternating current supplied; the vibratory member 46 in turn acts on the shaft 49 through the roller clutches 51 to'move it in a clockwise direction 4), the rollers 70 in the mem ber 52 preventing any backward movement. At the same time the electromagnet 60 swings the pinion 55 into engagement with the toothed sector 58 and, owing to the rotation of the shaft 45 caused by the armatures being attracted, pinion 55 operates the segment 58 and rotates the shaft 59 to lower the train-stop or signal'as the case may be. As the train stop or signal is under gravity control tending to always assume the danger position it is necessary to provide means for retaining them in the operated position for a certain length of time. This is effected by means of the electromagnet 60 which, although the circuit of the motor is broken when the signal is moved to its full extent due to the brush 84; passing onto the in sulated segments 85 and 86, is maintained operated until it is desired to again raise the signal arm or train stop. The excitation of the electromagnet 6O maintains the pinion 55 in engagement with the toothed sector 58 whereby the signal is prevented from being restored to normal by means of the roller detent clutch; as soon however, as the electromagnet 60 is de-energized, the pinion and toothed sector disengage due to gravity control and the shaft 59 is free to restore.

It will therefore be appreciated that a very eflicient motor has been evolved which possesses among others the following advantages which render it particularly suitable for operating railway signals, points, train stops and like apparatus. The provision of vibratory means for operating the signals reduces the inertia and renders the apparatus more quickly responsive on ap plication or removal of power than is pos sible With a continuously operated member. Having a high torque both at starting and during operation, the necessity of providing expensive gearing is eliminated and at the same time these characteristics are maintained when driven with alternating current. The use of a roller or ball clutch enables the full extent of movement of the vibratory member to be taken advantage of, thus rendering the motor highly efficient for its size; at the same time the clutch acts to prevent the continuous backward thrust to which in operating railway signals and train stops, this class of apparatus is subject.

The arrangement whereby no energy is lost in impact is also an important feature with a view to increasing still further the efficiency of the motor. This feature while partially present in the former construction is a very important feature of the latter construction as the vibratory member 46 is entirely under the control of the springs 61 both as regards the limits of its forward and backward movements.

What I claim as my invention is 1. A railway signalling machine comprising in combination a vibratory member, means for causing said member to operate signal mechanism, a roller clutch for causing said vibratory member to engage with said signal mechanism when moving in one direction, a second roller clutch for preventing said signal mechanism from moving backwards when said vibratory member is moving in the other direction.

2. A railway signalling machine comprising in combination an electromagnet, an armature adapted to vibrate when said electromagnet is excited with alternating cur rent, signal mechanism, a roller clutch for causing said vibratory member to engage with said signal mechanism when moving in one direction, a second roller clutch for preventing said signal mechanism from moving backwards when said vibratory member is moving in the other direction.

3. A motor comprising in combination, a vibratory member, means for causing said member to vibrate, a shaft a roller clutch for causing said vibratory member to engage with said shaft when moving in one direction, a second roller clutch to prevent the backward movement of said shaft when the vibratory member is moving in the other direction.

4. A motor comprising in combination a vibratory member electrical means for causing said member to vibrate. a shaft, a roller clutch for causing said vibratory member to engage withsaid shaft when moving in one direction, a second roller clutch to prevent the backward movement of said shaft when the vibratory member is moving in the other direction.

5. A motor comprising in combination,

' an electromagnet, an armature adapted to vibrate when said electromagnet is excited with alternating current, a shaft, av roller clutch for causing said armature to engage withsaid shaft when moving in one direction, a second roller clutch to prevent the backward movement of said shaft when the armature is moving in the other direction.

6. A motor comprising in combination, a plurality of electromagnets, armatures for each of said electromagnets adapted to vibrate when said electromagnets are excited, a shaft, a roller clutch for causing said armatures to engage with said shaft when moving in one direction, a second roller clutch to prevent the backward movement of said shaft when the armatures are moving in the other direction.

A motor comprising in combination an electromagnet an armature for said electromagnet, a shaft, a roller clutch connecting said armature to said shaft so that the movement of the armature in one direction only effects the movement of the shaft, and a spring for controlling the movement of said armature.

8. A motor comprising in combination, an electromagnet an armature for said electromagnet, a shaft, a roller clutch connectsaid armature to said shaft so that the movement'of the armature in one direction only effects the movement of the shaft, a spring for controlling the movement of said armature, a fixed member and a second roller clutch betweensaid member and said shaft for preventing the backward movement of said shaft.

9. A motor comprising in combination a shaft of polygonal section, a vibratory memben having a :circular hole whose annular internal face encircles said shaft, means for causing said member to vibrate, a set of rollers between the external face of said shaft and the internal face of said vibratory member, a fixed member also havinga circular hole embracing said shaft, a second set of rollers between the external face-0f said shaft and the internal face of said 'fi-Xed member, and leaf springs adapted to so control the movement of said rollers as-to cause said-vibratory member to engage with said shaft when moving in one direction and to cause said fixed member to engage with said shaft when the vibratory member is moving in the other direction so as to cause said shaft to move only in a forward direction.

10. A motor comprising in combination an electromagnet an armature for said electromagnet, a shaft, a roller clutch connecting said armature to said shaft so that the movement of the armature in'one direction only effectsthe movement of the shaft, and a leaf "spring for controlling the movement of said armature.

11. A motor comprising in combination an electromagnet, an armaturefor-said electromagnet, a shaft, a roller clutch connecting said armature tosaid shaft so that the movement of the armature in one direction only effects the movement of the shaft, and a springfor normally maintaining said armature in a central position, at about which position it is adapted to vibrate.

12. A motor comprisinga periodic source of power, a vibratory member, a spring 'for' controlling said vibratory "member, the spring and vibratory member being designed that their natural frequency corresponds to the frequency of the periodic source of power,-a shaft, aroller clutch for causing said vibratory. member to engage with said shaft when moving in one direction, and a second roller clutch to prevent the backward movement of said shaft when the vibratory member is moving in the other direction.

13. A railway signalling machine comprising in combination'a vibratory =member, means for causing said member to vibrate,a train stop, a rolling means for causing said vibratory member to effect a forward movement of said train stop when moving in one direction, and means for preventing said train stop from moving backwards when said vibratory member is moving in the other direction.

14;. A railwayl signalling machine comprising in combination, an electromagnet, an armature adapted to vibrate when "said electromagnet is excited with alternating current, a train stop, a rolling meansfor in one direction, a rolling means for preventing said train stop from moving backwards when said armature is moving in the other direction. a

15. A railway signalling machine comprising in combination a vibratory member, means for causing said member to vibrate, signal mechanism, a roller clutch for causing said vibratory member to engage with said signal mechanism when moving in one direction, means for preventing said signal mechanism from moving backwards when said vibratory member is moving in the other direction.

16. A railway signalling machine comprising iin combination, an electromagnet, an armature adapted to vibrate when said electromagnet is excited with. alternating current, signal mechanism, a roller clutch for causing said vibratory member to engage with said signal mechanism when moving in one direction, means for preventing said signal mechanism from moving backwards when said vibratory member is moving in the otheridirection'.v

17. A railway signalling machine comprising, a non reversible motor pivoted to swing bodily, a signal mechanism having a continuously-acting restoring force tending to restore it to normal position, a reversible clutch for establishing connection between said motor and said signal mechanism and operative means for controlling said clutch whereby said connection is broken when it is desired to allow said signal mechanism to restore to the normal position.

18. A railway signalling machine com prising a non reversible vibratory motor pivoted to swing bodily, signal mechanism having a continuously-acting restoring force tending to restore it to normal position, a reversible clutch for establishing connection between said motor and said signal mechanism and operative means for controlling said clutch whereby said connection is broken when it is desired to allow said signal mechanism to restore to the normal position.

19. A railway signalling machine comprising, a non reversible electric motor pivoted to swing bodily, a signal mechanism having a continuously-acting restoring force tending to restore it to normal position, a reversible clutch for establishing conneo nection between said motor and said signal mechanism and electrical means for controlling said clutch whereby said connection is broken when it is desired to allow said signal mechanism to restore to the normal position.

20. A railway signalling machine con"- prising a non reversible alternating current electric motor pivoted to swing bodily, a signal mechanism having a continuouslyacting restoring force tending to restore it to normal position, a reversible clutch for establishing connection between said motor and said signal mechanism and electrical means for controlling said clutch whereby said connection is broken when it is desired to allow said signal mechanism to restore to the normal position.

21. A railway si nalling machine com-- prising a non reversible alternating current electric motor pivoted to swing bodily, a signal mechanism having a continuously acting restoring force tending to restore it to normal position, a gear wheel connected to said motor, a second gear wheel connected to said signal mechanism and an electromagnet for bringing said gear wheels into engagement both to operate said signal mechanism and maintain it in the operated position.

22. A railway signalling machine comprising a non reversible alternating current electric motor pivoted to swing bodily, a signal mechanism having a continuouslyacting restoring force tending to restore it to normal position, a gear wheel connected to said motor a second gear wheel connected to said signal mechanism and an alternating current electromagnet for bringing said gear wheels into engagement both to operate said signal mechanism and maintain it in the operated position.

23. A railway signalling machine comprising in combination avibratory member, means for causing said member to vibrate, a shaft, means for connecting said vibratory member to said shaft, whereby the shaft moves in one direction only, means for preventing the backward movement of said shaft, a signal mechanism, a clutch between said shaft and said signal mechanism, operative means for controlling the clutch. whereby engagement between the shaft and the mechanism is established simultaneously with the operation of said first mentioned means, is maintained when said means have finished operating to prevent the signal mechanism restoring and released subse4 quently due to the de-energization of said operative means whereby said signal mechanism can restore.

24 A railway signalling machine comprising in combination, an armature, an electromagnet for causing said armature to vibrate, a shaft, means for connecting said armature to said shaft whereby the shaft moves in one direction only, means for preventing the backward mo-vement of said shaft, a signal mechanism, electrical means for establishing connection between the shaft and the mechanism whereby simultaneously with the excitation of said electromagnet, means for breaking the circuit of said electromagnet, when said mechanism is operated and means fQrdeenergiZingsaid electrical means independent only of said circuit breaking means. i

25. A railway signalling machine comprising in combination, an armature, an electromagnet for causing said armature to vibrate, a shaft, a roller clutch for connecting said armature to said shaft so as to effect the forward movement of said shaft in one direction only, a fixed member, a second roller clutch for connecting said shaft to said fixed member to prevent the rotation of said shaft in the opposite direction, a signal mechanism, a second electromagnet for bringing said shaft and said signal mechanism into engagement, a circuit breaking device for de-energizing said first electromagnet when the signal mechanismis fully operated and independent means forcde-energizing said second electromagnet and permitting the signal mechanism to restore.

26. A railway signalling machine comprising a motor having a shaft for operating the signal, an armature surrounding said shaft, a clutch means disposed between the interior of the armature and the outside of the shaft, electromagnets for vibrating the. armature, and a pivoted frame for supporting the motor.

27. A railway signalling machine comprising a motor having a shaft, a multi-pole armature mounted to surround said shaft, resilient supports for said armature to control the movements and position thereof, a clutch means disposed between the inside of the armature and the outside of the shaft, means for vibrating the armature, and means for connecting the motor shaft to the device to be operated.

28. A railway signalling machine comprising a non-reversible motor pivoted to swing bodily, a signal mechanism having a continuously-acting restoring force tending to restore it to normal position mounted adjacent said motor, and means for causing said motor to swing into operative engagement with said signal mechanism to operate the signal. g

29. A railway signalling machine com prising a non-reversible motor pivoted to swing bodily, a signal mechanism having a continuously-acting restoring force tending to restore it to normal position mounted adjacent said motor, and means for causing said motor to swing into operative engagement with said signal mechanism to operate the signal and also retain the signal in set position.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

ALFRED ERNEST HUDD. 

